Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
Moore Threads Stock Slides After Risk Warning Despite 600% Surge Since IPO 
Glastonbury is as popular than ever, but complaints about the lineup reveal its generational challenge 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
SoftBank Shares Slide as Oracle’s AI Spending Plans Fuel Market Jitters 
Evercore Reaffirms Alphabet’s Search Dominance as AI Competition Intensifies 
Why financial hardship is more likely if you’re disabled or sick 
Trump Signs Executive Order to Establish National AI Regulation Standard 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Every generation thinks they had it the toughest, but for Gen Z, they’re probably right 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
SpaceX Reportedly Preparing Record-Breaking IPO Targeting $1.5 Trillion Valuation 
Air Transat Reaches Tentative Agreement With Pilots, Avoids Strike and Restores Normal Operations 
Lacoste, the world-renowned fashion brand, has unveiled an enchanting virtual summer store and has thrilled its Le Club Lacoste and UNDW3 (Web3) members. The immersive experience, developed by Emperia, is complete with exclusive elements and collections, an adventurous crocodile-themed scavenger hunt, and a unique VIP underwater area accessible through Lacoste NFTs.
Upon entering the virtual store, shoppers are transported from the beach into the gaping mouth of the famous crocodile logo. Here, they can immerse themselves in Lacoste's latest summer collection, comprising of stylish clothes, fashionable shoes, and trendy accessories. A short virtual elevator ride takes users to an enchanting outdoor space with additional products showcased in a delightful pool-deck setting overlooking the beach.
Developed by Emperia, a pioneer in virtual retail technology, this captivating virtual store invites visitors on a crocodile scavenger hunt, leading them toward an extraordinary underwater VIP space. Exclusive to Le Club Lacoste and UNDW3 members, access to the VIP area is granted through an email login or by owning a special Lacoste NFT.
Within this exclusive space, shoppers will discover the magnificent UNDW3 collection resulting from Lacoste's collaboration with its esteemed web3 community members. Every physical garment in the collection is paired with a digital twin and an exciting augmented reality feature, accessible through a QR code scan. As shoppers navigate this immersive experience, they can engage in a thrilling mini treasure-hunt game scattered throughout the virtual store, with the opportunity to win unique prizes each week.
Emperia's cutting-edge platform allows retailers to build and maintain shoppable virtual experiences and offers data monitoring capabilities. This enables retailers to optimize the virtual user experience, enhance brand engagement, and boost conversions.
Olga Dogadkina, Co-founder and CEO of Emperia expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration with Lacoste, highlighting the emphasis placed on integrating the iconic crocodile theme seamlessly from the general store aesthetic to the virtual realm. By creating exclusive features accessible only to loyal shoppers, they are revolutionizing the digital shopping experience and solidifying their position as a vital component of Lacoste's eCommerce strategy.
This remarkable virtual store follows the success of Lacoste and Emperia's holiday virtual experience in 2022, which garnered widespread acclaim, including winning a prestigious Webby Award in the Metaverse, Immersive & Virtual Retail & Shopping category in 2023.
